Ziyarat of Religious & Historical Places
Tarwiyah Global Travels also provide the facility of Ziyarat in the holy places of Makkah.
THE HOLY KAABA
The holy Kaaba or Bait Allah (House of God) is a cubical stone building elegantly draped in the Kiswah, located in the city of Makkah inside Al-Masjid Al-Haram or The Great Mosque of Makkah in Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia. It is the holiest place in Islam. Muslims all over the world pray five times a day facing towards the holy Kaaba, the direction of qibla that is established in the Holy Quran itself.
Prayer five times a day and the hajj or the annual pilgrimage, to the Kaaba once in a lifetime for every able Muslim are the two of the five pillars of Islam, Millions of pilgrims flock the Great Mosque of Makkah each year and gather in the courtyard of the Al-Masjid Al-Haram around the holy Kaaba to pray. Pilgrims also make “Tawaf” seven times counter clockwise around the Kaaba during the “Hajj.” It is an earnest desire of every brother or sister to be able to perform Hajj or Umrah.
AL MASJID AL HARAM
Surrounding the holy Kaaba, The Al-Masjid Al-Haram is one of the holiest mosques for Muslims. It is also known as “The Sacred Mosque” or “The Great Mosque of Makkah. It is the site of the annual pilgrimage for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for performing the “Hajj,” which every able Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime. It is also the main place for the “Umrah”, another pilgrimage that can be performed by Muslims at any time of the year.
Within its complex are other significant sites such as :-
Mataf
Open area around the Kaaba, where pilgrims and Muslims circumbulate around Ka’bah
Hijr-Ismail or Hateem
originally part of the Holy Kaaba, Hijr Ismail or the Stone of Ismail also known as Hateem is a semi-circular shaped white marble wall opposite the northwest wall of the Holy Kaaba. The reward for praying here is substantial. It is also considered equivalent to praying inside the holy Kaaba itself.
Hajar Al-Aswad
Hajar Al-Aswad or The Black Stone It is one of the most significant relics in Islam believed to be brought from Jannah and presented to Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to be placed in a corner near the holy Kaaba. Tawaf begins and ends from the sacred stone and has been kissed by millions of Muslims, the Prophets (Peace be upon them) including the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself. The Black Stone is part of the “Tawaf” ritual for every brother and sister visiting the holy city of Makkah for the purpose of Hajj or Umrah
Rukan Yamani
The Rukan Yamani (Named after Yemen) is one corner of the Holy Kaaba that faces the land of Yemen. The other three cornders are named as Rukun Shami (Named after Syria), Rukun Al Iraqi (Named after Iraq) and Rukan Al Aswad (The Black Stone)
The Rukan Yamani area holds a lot of significance because it is where the foundation that Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) himself built and where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made “Istilaam” of it. “Istilaam” means the touching of the corner by hand or kissing.
It was also the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when passing between the Rukan Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad to recite the following du’a:
Rabbana ‘atinaa fid dunyaa hasanat wafil aakhirati hasana taw wa qinaa azaaban naar. “O Rabb, grant us (all that which is) good in this world, (all that which is) good in the Aakhirah and save us from the punishment of the fire (of Jahannam).” – Surah Baqarah, Verse 201
Door Of Holy Kaaba
Since Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) built the holy Kaaba, so much history surrounds the door of the Holy Kaaba. It has been changed over the centuries by the rulers. , but the current door that every Umrah or Hajj pilgrims will see on the eastern side of the Holy Kaaba was commissioned by King Khalid bin Abdul Aziz.
Meezab Al-Rahman
Located between the Rukn e Iraqi and Rukn e Shami where the rainwater flows into Hijr Ismail or Hateem, the Meezab al-Rahman is a golden spout on top of the Holy Kaaba that holds significance to every pilgrim because it is reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) supplicated under Meezab al-Rahman. Pilgrims believe that the water flowing out of the Meezab al-Rahman is sacred and full of Shifa.
Al-Shadhrawan
Al-Shadhrawan forms the lower part of the walls of the Holy Kaaba. This white marble is also the only remaining part of the foundation of the original walls of the structure where brown marble pieces containing the Mubarak teachings on how to do Wudhu and the Prayer are inserted.
The Kiswah
The Kiswah is the cloth that covered the Holy Kaaba, which is changed every year on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah or the day during Hajj when the pilgrims leave for the plains of Mount Arafat. The word Kiswah means “Pall” or the cloth draped over the casket in Arabic.
Maqam e Ibrahim
A significant part of the Great Mosque of Makkah, the Maqam e Ibrahim is a large stone where the Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) was believed to have stood while he constructed the upper walls of the Holy Kaaba. The place where Maqam e Ibrahim stands today is the place where Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) offered two rakat namaz to Allah after finishing the construction of the holy Kaaba. Every pilgrim on Hajj or Umrah offers two Rakat namaz after the completion of the seventh round of Tawaf around the holy Kaaba.
The Well of Zamzam
Located within the Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, the Well of Zam Zam is believed to have been from the water given by Allah that appeared thousands of years ago when Hazrat Ismail (PBUH), Prophet Abraham’s (PBUH) son was left with his mother Hazrat Hajra (PBUH) in the desert and he didn’t stop crying because of thirst. Today, the well is visited by millions of pilgrims each year to do the Umrah or Hajj so they can drink its miraculous water.
Safa And Marwa
Located inside the complex of Al-Masjid-al-Haram or the Great Mosque of Makkah, Safa and Marwa are two hills where Umrah or Hajj pilgrims travel back and forth seven times as part of the ritual.
This ritual walking called the “Sa’I” is done to commemorate Hajar’s search for water for her son when Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) left them alone in the desert between Safa and Marwa on Allah command.
JABAL AL-NOOR (CAVE OF HIRA)
It is the cave where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spent his time in prayers and where he received the first revelation through the Hazrat Jibra’il (A S). This is also the reason why the mountain was named Jabal al-Noor to commemorate this significance in Islam. The two-hour hike that includes 1,750 steps to reach the cave is well worth it for every brother or sister who wants to see this sacred place. Be sure to bring plenty of water and, if climbing when it’s dark, a flashlight is must.
JABAL THAWR (CAVE OF JABAL THAWR)
Also known as Jabal al-Thawr, Mount Thawr, Ghar e Soor and Ghar Thawr, the cave of Thawr holds great significance in Islam
Ghar e Soor is a place where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) sought refuge for 3 days from Quraysh, as they left Makkah for migration to Madinah.
To protect them from the enemies, Allah had a spider spin a web at the cave’s entrance. After looking at the spider web and dove nest, the Quraysh concluded their search and left.
MASJID AL-JINN
Masjid Al-Jinn or Mosque of the Jinn is located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This mosque is where a group of jinn gathered to listen to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recital of the Holy Quran and later on embraced Islam. Because the city’s guard patrols up the location of the mosque, it is also known as the Mosque of Guards. As one of the oldest in Makkah, no visit to this part of Saudi Arabia is complete without a visit to Masjid Al-Jinn or Mosque of the Jinn.
MINA (THE TENT CITY)
Like something beyond imagination, Mina and its huge number of tents are a sight to behold, especially for pilgrims on Hajj or Umrah. During the annual Hajj, it provides pilgrims with more than 100,000 air-conditioned tents for temporary accommodation.
Given the many religious rituals performed around it, such as the Stoning of the Devil, visiting The Tent City during Hajj is an unforgettable experience. Wait for the sun to go down and for the millions of lights to turn, you’ll be treated to a magical display of light that’s unlike any other
MOUNT ARAFAT
Mount Arafat known as the “Mountain of Mercy” (Jabal ar-Rahmah).
According to Islamic traditions, the hill is the place where the our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) stood and delivered the Farewell Sermon, also known as the Khutbat Al-Wada to his companions (Sahabah) who had accompanied him for the Hajj towards the end of his life.
The mountain is especially important during the Hajj, with the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, also known as the Day of ‘Arafah after the mountain itself, being the day when Hajj pilgrims leave Mina for Arafat; this day is considered to be the most important day of the Hajj. The Khutbah (sermon) is delivered and Zuhr and Asr prayers are prayed together in the valley. The pilgrims spend the whole day on the mountain invoking Allah to forgive their sins. According to traditional sayings of the prophet, the Day of Arafat is the most sacred day of the year, when God draws near to the faithful and forgives their sins.
MUZDALIFAH
Muzdalifah lies at the southeast of Mina and is situated on the route between Mount Arafat and Mina. Pilgrims spend the second day of Hajj, the night of 9th Dhul Hijjah, at Muzdalifah, under the open sky.
Unlike Mina, there are no tents or any other accommodation facilities at Muzdalifah. Even though there are plenty of lights, as the night progresses, it can get difficult to distinguish between people. The boundaries of Muzdalifah are indicated by large purple signposts. There is also a masjid named Mashar Al-Haram, meaning ‘the sacred monument.’ It is located at the site of what used to be a small mountain.
Following Islamic history and tradition, on the second day of Hajj, i.e. 9th Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims travel (walk) towards Muzdalifah from Mount Arafat. Upon reaching here at sunset, they pray the combined Salah of Maghrib and Isha and spend the night under a Sky full of Stars.
RAMI AL JAMARAT (Stoning of Devil) THREE PILLARS AT MINA
Rajm, (Arabic: “Stoning”) also called Rami Al Jamarat (Arabic: “Throwing Small Stones”) or Stoning of the Devil. The ritual is the final act for pilgrims and takes place in the city of Mina just outside the holy city of Mecca. it is believed that performing the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat during the Hajj is a way for Muslims to re-enact this event and demonstrate their own rejection of Satan and their commitment to Allah.
Prior to the stoning hundreds of thousands of pilgrims spend the night on the plain of Muzdalifah collecting pebbles in preparation for the rite.
There are three Jamarat (Pillars) which are known as:
Jamarah al-Aqaba or Jamarah al-Kubra (The Big Pillar).
Jamarah al-Wusta (The Medium or Middle Pillar).
Jamarah al-Ula or al-Sugra (The Small Pillar).
The distance between the first and second pillars is about 150 metres and the distance between the second and third pillars is about 120 metres
JANNAT AL-MU’ALLA
No graveyard is more historical and important in Makkah than Jannat Al-Mu’alla. This is where several of the Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace and blessings be upon him) relatives and many of the Sahabah (May Allah be pleased with them) were buried, including Ummul Mu’mineen Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her), first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him).
Qasim, the eldest son of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) from his wife Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her)
Abdullah, the second son of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) from his wife Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her)
Abu Talib, uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him)
Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him)
The cemetery is located north of the Masjid al-Haram and not far from the Mosque of the Jinn. If you are traveling for your Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage and wish to visit historical sites, Jannat al-Mu’alla is a must-visit landmark in Makkah.
Jannat Al Mu’alla, also called Al Hajun, lies 1km north of the Holy Mosque. It is a 15-minute walk. If driving or taking a taxi, the route is 9km but takes about the same amount of time.
A long white wall surrounds the site. As there are no longer any identification markers, most people simply pay their respects to the entire area. The graveyard is open all year, and there is no admission fee.
MASJID AISHA
Aisha Mosque, also known as Taneem Mosque (Masjid e Taneem), is a popular destination for pilgrims, especially locals who are beginning their Hajj or Umrah journeys. This is where Aisha (SAW), the beloved wife of Mohamed (PBUH), prepared to enter Ihram.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “”Part of the worship of Hajj and Umrah is to travel in the way of Allah (SWT) and to go out of the city.”” Thus, this mosque serves as a Miqat, or a place for adorning Ihram clothing. As such, Masjid e Taneem is equipped with a large number of washrooms and bathing facilities.
This massive mosque is about 10km north of Al Masjid Al Haram, on the highway to Madinah. It is a 20-minute taxi ride from Makkah city center, longer if traffic is heavy. As a Miqat station, Masjid Aisha often has vendors that sell Ihram clothing and essentials like slippers and money belts.
MASJID NIMRAH
Masjid Nimrah is located in Waadi Urana. When beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was at Arafat on his farewell Hajj on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah 10 AH he camped here. After midday he delivered his famous sermon in the Urana Valley while seated on his camel, after which he led the Salah. More than 100,000 Sahabah accompanied him on this Hajj. Being among the most sacred Islamic monuments, even today, during Hajj, it’s the duty of the Imam of Masjid Nimrah to deliver the last sermon before the Dhuhr and Asr prayers are performed together.
MAKKAH MUSEUM
Al-Zaher Palace Museum or the Makkah Museum is a historical museum that is a 10-15 minute drive away from Haram. It is a two storey building which is surrounded by gardens. The museum displays the history of Makkah and houses many archaeological collections from the different periods of Islamic.
There are separate washrooms for men and women and a praying area beside the museum entrance. It also offers zamzam which visitors can drink for free. The staff is friendly, with female staff hired to guide female visitors in different languages. The museum opens for visitors in the evening, which is why it is better to confirm timings beforehand.
ABRAJ AL-BAIT TOWERS
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city of Makkah, the Abraj Al-Bait or “Towers of the House” consists of seven skyscraper hotels owned by the government. This complex is part of the King Abdul-Aziz Endowment Project that was created to help modernize the holy city of Makkah to cater to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims better.
The Abraj Al-Bait is just a few meters away from the Great Mosque of Makkah and its most distinct symbol is the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, which has the largest clock face in the world. It is also the third tallest building and the fifth tallest free-standing structure anywhere.
MAKKAH ROYAL CLOCK TOWER
Located in the middle of the prestigious Abraj Al-Bait complex, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower stands at 601 meters making it the fifth-tallest freestanding structure in the world.
At the top of this building is the four-faced clock that can be seen as far as 25 kilometres away. At 400 meters above the ground, it is the highest clock in the world and its faces are also the largest topping the Cevahir Mall clock in Istanbul.
The clock’s faces are illuminated by over 2 million LED lights and above the clock is ‘The Takbir’ mentioning “God is The Greatest” on the north and south faces, and “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of God” on the west and east faces.